1992 Toyota Levin GT APEX from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Generally standard maintenance issues, such as, CV boots split, disc rotors needed replacement, A/C needed to be recharged, A/C lighting bulbs blew. Otherwise very reliable.

This car is the top of the range super strut suspension model, which unfortunately are very rare, but well worth the extra money if you can find one.

The specifications over and above your standard GT APEX model are, super strut suspension, which provides for excellent handling however a firm ride around town. Larger front disc brakes with 4-ABS, the braking of this car is excellent. Momo steering wheel and gear lever.

The car is very easy to drive and provides good performance when required. Being 20 valve it is a little sluggish at low rpm, but performs well between 3000rpm and 7000rpm, above this the performance fades.

Acceleration is good. 0-100km - 9.5seconds. Speed is limited to 190km/h, which is reached with ease. Fuel consumption is reasonable. 15KM/L on a trip, 10-12KM/L around town, or if you've got a heavy right foot.

The interior is good, very comfortable front seats and nice colours. The back seat is fairly cramped, but what do you expect in a coupe. However boot space is good.

Overall, this is a very nice car, they are fun to drive, reliable and economical. If you want true performance from a normally aspirated 4 cylinder car though, the only choice is a DOHC VTEC Honda. You can red line them in every gear and they love it.

I've got a 20 valve too, I think your selling the car short, mine revs to 8,400rpm, the power doesn't fade untill after 8000rpm and if you fit an aftermarket exhaust, it'll pull hard to the redline. As for the 190km/h speed limiter, they hit this in 4th gear. It's very impressive for a 1.6 and the superstrut model like mine would match, it not outperform a VTI Civic on track.

The handling is excellent, when pushed hard it has a tendency for mild understeer followed by lift of oversteer, loads of fun.

Excellent cars, and very cheap. Parts are a nightmare, and can be expensive. Also, could do with an LSD as it spins the inside wheel easily when cornering.